Betta (Betta splendens) — species profile (taxonomy, origin, lifespan, husbandry basics)
Authoritative first-hand species account (Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan). All bullet facts are verbatim from the cited source and C1-substring verified.
Natural History & Origin
- It is native to Thailand, but can be found worldwide in pet stores as
- found in the oriental region of the world.
- the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic.
Habitat
- The wild Siamese Fighting fish can be found swimming amongst the inland waters of
- live in thickly overgrown ponds and in only very slowly flowing waters such as shallow
- rice paddies, stagnant pools, polluted streams, and other types of areas in which
Size
- The Betta, on average, is 7.5 centimeters in length.
- brightly colored and have longer fins than the females.
- commonly than females, instictively fight with one another to defend their territory.
Lifespan
- There, they can live in moist cavities until water once again fills
Behavior & Social Structure
- Dianna Sturgeon (author), Milford High School, George Campbell (editor), Milford High School.
Reproduction
- More often than not, by the time the first spawning embrace begins,
- After spawning has occured, the male then guards the nest, taking care of the eggs
- until the young hatch 24 to 48 hours later, depending upon the temperature of the
Diet
- rate, Bettas need to eat frequent, small "snacks", such as algae, to hold them over